Namaqua 3-Day Flower MTB

The Untamed Heart of Namakwa: An Exclusive MTB Journey

Limited to 24 Riders | E-Bikes Welcome

Go where you feel most alive!

We are proud to announce an absolutely unique mountain bike experience into the soul of Namaqualand. These are routes few have ever ridden—and even fewer know exist. During the spectacular flower season, you will witness the remarkable transformation of this arid wilderness as it is carpeted in a vibrant, living tapestry of color.

A Journey Through Time

To ride these trails is to traverse 2,000 years of history.

• Ancient Origins: The silence of Namakwa’s cultural evolution was first broken two millennia ago by the arrival of the Khoikhoi (Nama) people from northern Botswana.

• Cultural Guardians: Today, the region remains a sanctuary for the rich cultural history preserved by the Nama and Khoisan tribes. As the largest group of the Khoikhoi, the Nama people remain the heartbeat of this land.

The Grandeur of the Landscape

Namakwa is a vast, evocative region stretching over 1,000 kilometers along the West Coast, spanning 440,000 square kilometers across both South Africa and Namibia.

• The Great Divide: This ancient terrain is split by the lower course of the mighty Orange River into two distinct worlds: Little Namakwa to the south and Great Namakwa to the north.

Join us for a ride that is as much about the history of the earth as it is about the thrill of the trail.

Trisport stands apart from the rest.

Owners on the ground, Hano and Sonja Otto are hands-on, personally investing in your trip and the local community. With 24+ years of experience in the sport tourism industry, this dynamic duo merges limitless passion with expertise to deliver a tour unlike any other.

Each tour is meticulously planned, with the area’s best accommodation chosen. Expect warm, genuine hospitality, infectious smiles, and experiences that forge lifelong friendships.

If you want to feel pampered and truly cared for, Trisport goes the extra mile. The owners’ genuine care ensures you’ll feel special at every moment. Leveraging 24+ years in sport tourism, Sonja and Hano deliver unrivaled, personalized service with warm, attentive hospitality

Detailed MTB Itinerary: The Namaqualand Flower Trail

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

• 14:00 – Check-in: Arrive at Okiep Country hotel, Okiep, and check in under your name.

• 18:00 – Welcome Dinner: Meet your hosts and fellow riders for a traditional Namaqualand meal.

Day 2: Private Trails & Granite Sundowners

• 08:00 – Breakfast

• 09:00 – The Exploration: Today, we ride through an exclusive private farm (permission and permits acquired by Trisport). Experience breathtaking views and untouched veld as we navigate the heart of the flower country.

• 13:00 – Light Lunch: Refuel at our finishing venue.

• 17:00 – History:  Mine Tour at the Okiep Country Hotel

• 18:00 – Dinner

Day 3: The Wilds of Goegap

• 07:00 – Breakfast

• 08:00 – Convoy: Depart in your own vehicle, driving in convoy to the Goegap Nature Reserve just outside Springbok.

• 09:00 – Nature’s Showcase: Cycle through the reserve, famous for its unique succulent flora and vast carpets of flowers. Includes a halfway coffee break with snacks and tasty surprises.

• 14:00 – Local Flavor: Enjoy an authentic, traditional light meal prepared by the Goegap local community.

• 19:00 – Dinner

Day 4: The Historic Copper Trail

• 07:00 – Breakfast

• 08:00 – The Grand Ride: Today, we tackle the legendary Copper Trail, and we traverse a few private farms (permission and permits acquired by Trisport)

  • Cycle past local farms and through the historic copper-mining town of Nababeep.

  • Witness the world-famous Namaqua Daisies, ancient Quiver Trees, and historic stone bridges built for the original copper route.

  • Stop for coffee and snacks at the beautiful Jakkalswater Guest Farm.

• 14:00 – Return & Relax: Complete the circular route back to Okiep Country Hotel for a light lunch and a relaxed afternoon.

• 18:00 – Farewell Dinner

Day 5: Departure

• 07:00 – Breakfast & Farewells: Enjoy a final breakfast (optional) before we say our goodbyes and you begin your journey home.

⚠️ Important Logistical Notes

• Transport: Please arrange your own transport to the start. The exact starting venue depends on your specific booking; you will receive a finalized program with location details prior to the tour.

• Convoy Driving: You will need your own vehicle to drive to the Nature Reserve.

Venues on the Flower MTB: Depending of the time of year, we will use 1 or more of the following venues. We will use max 2 venues per tour.

1. Jakkalswater Guest Farm: Nestled between the slopes and granite boulders of the Kamiesberg Mountains, Jakkalswater guest farm is situated 9.9 miles from Springbok. The spacious big rooms are en-suite.

2. Okiep Country Hotel: The tourist centre of Okiep is the excellent Okiep Country Hotel. The hotel houses a very popular restaurant and bar. Each room is en-suite and the hotel has a 3 star grading. The hotel is famous for it’s amazing food

Travel & Logistics: Getting to the Start

Meeting Point

• Venue: Okiep Country Hotel, Northern Cape.

• Location: Situated in the historic town of Okiep, just 5 km north of Springbok.

Regional Distances

• Springbok to Cape Town: 500 km

• Springbok to Upington: 300 km

How to Reach Okiep

1. Fly & Drive (Cape Town): Fly into Cape Town International Airport and hire a vehicle for the 5–6 hour drive to Okiep. Note: There are no shuttle services available from Cape Town.

2. Fly & Shuttle (Upington): Fly into Upington and hire a car, or arrange a private shuttle directly with the Okiep Country Hotel. Please manage all shuttle bookings directly with the hotel.

3. Self-Drive: Drive directly to the Okiep Country Hotel via the N7.

Bicycle Transport & E-Bike Regulations

Please take careful note of the following if you are bringing your own equipment:

• Standard Mountain Bikes: You are welcome to fly with your standard MTB as checked luggage (standard airline fees and packing requirements apply).

• E-Bikes: You cannot fly with an E-bike due to airline battery safety regulations.

• Courier Service: If you wish to use your own E-bike on tour, please contact Sonja for details on a reliable Bicycle Courier. They can safely transport your E-bike from your home directly to the Okiep Country Hotel.

Please contact Sonja on sonja@trisport.co.za if you want to hire an MTB or E-MTB. Trisport does not hire bikes, but we have a reliable company that we will suggest you hire your bikes from. They can also organise transport.

See www.adventureshop.co.za They are based in Stellenbosh, but you can hire from them, even if you live in Gauteng

Day 1 : 40 to 45km (500m elevation gain)
Day 2 : 45 to 50km (450m elevation gain)
Day 3 : 55 to 60km (650m elevation gain)

Limited to 22 entries

Rider Requirements & Fitness Policy

To ensure the safety, pacing, and enjoyment of the entire group, we adhere to the following participation standards. Please review these carefully before registering.

Rider Classification

• Skill Level: This tour is strictly for Intermediate Riders. We unfortunately cannot accept beginners on this route.

• E-Bikes: E-MTBs are warmly welcomed and encouraged.

• Age-Based Requirements: * Participants aged 65 and older are required to use an E-Bike.

  • The standard maximum age for participation is 75 years.

  • Note: If you are over 75 and exceptionally fit, please contact Sonja at sonja@trisport.co.za for a personal assessment before registering.

Fitness & Technical Expectations

While this is a non-technical tour (no drops or jumps), it requires a specific level of stamina and bike handling:

• Pacing: You must be able to maintain an average speed of 15 to 18 km/h over a 40 km route.

• Handling: You must be confident cycling through sections of sand, rough jeep tracks with ruts and water damage, and easy single-track trails.

• Control: Participants must be able to cycle (not push) downhills confidently.

• E-Bike Proficiency: If you are using an E-Bike, you must be fully confident in its operation and handling on off-road terrain.

Important Notice & Liability

The success of a group tour depends on the collective fitness of the riders.

• Group Impact: We cannot accommodate riders who are unfit or inexperienced, as this significantly impacts the safety and experience of the rest of the group.

• Compliance: Failure to meet these physical and technical requirements will result in being unable to participate in the group rides.

• Responsibility: It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure they meet these standards. Trisport cannot accept responsibility for participants who do not adhere to these guidelines.

Is This Ride Right for You?

To ensure everyone has a safe and rewarding experience, please review our skill and fitness requirements carefully. This tour is designed for riders who are comfortable on varied off-road terrain.

Rider Level & Suitability

• Intermediate Riders: This tour is ideally suited for Intermediate MTB and E-MTB riders with off-road experience.

• Beginner E-Bikers: While E-bikes are welcome, this is not suitable for beginner E-bikers who are unfamiliar with handling a bike on uneven surfaces.

• Beginner Mountain Bikers: This tour is strictly not suitable for beginner mountain bikers.

• Experienced E-Bikers: Fit and experienced E-bike riders will find the terrain manageable and enjoyable.

Required Technical Skills

To participate, you must be confident in the following:

• Off-Road Handling: You must be able to navigate sandy sections, rough jeep tracks, and winding single-track trails through the daisies.

• Controlled Descents: You must have the skill to cycle downhills with confidence, rather than pushing your bike.

• Pacing: You must be capable of maintaining an average speed of at least 15 km/h on a flat surface.

Terrain & Route Profile

While our routes are not classified as “highly technical” (no extreme drops or jumps), they offer a diverse and rewarding challenge for mountain bikers.

What to Expect Under-Tire:

• Diverse Surfaces: You will navigate a mix of winding single-tracks through fields of Namaqua daisies, rugged jeep tracks, and traditional gravel roads.

• Challenging Elements: Be prepared for varied terrain, including sandy patches, loose rocky sections, and firm mountain paths.

• Elevation & Effort: The routes feature steep ascents and descents, with a total daily elevation gain ranging between 300m and 600m.

The Experience:

This is an authentic “off-the-beaten-path” ride. One moment you’ll be cruising through a sea of flowers, and the next you’ll be testing your legs on a granite incline

Namaqualand MTB Tour: What’s Included

Accommodation & Catering

• Duration: 4 nights of comfortable accommodation.

• Full Board: All meals are included, from dinner on the day of arrival to a farewell dinner on your final night.

• On-Trail Support: Nutritional snacks, fresh water, and premium coffee provided during each day’s ride.

The Cycling Experience

• Guided Routes: 3 days of spectacular riding led by Qualified SA Guides with deep knowledge of Namaqua’s history, fauna, and flora.

• Exclusive Access: All entry fees for Goegap Nature Reserve and private property permits for restricted farmlands are included.

• Support Vehicle: A dedicated backup vehicle will follow the route for your peace of mind.

• Technical Support: A professional bike mechanic will be available on the route and each afternoon (services available at your own cost).

Culture & Extras

• History: A guided tour of the historic Okiep Copper Mine.

• The “Trisport” Touch: * A signature Trisport Goody Bag.

  • Complete logistical arrangements handled by the Trisport team to ensure a seamless trip.

  • An unforgettable, one-of-a-kind Namaqualand adventure.

Exclusions: What is Not Included

Travel & Transport

• To/From Springbok: All travel arrangements to and from the starting point in the Northern Cape.

• Local Transfers: Transport between the different daily hiking or cycling venues (this remains a self-drive tour).

• Final Day: Breakfast on the morning of departure is not included.

Technical & Mechanical Support

• Personal Tools: Please bring your own basic tool kit and essential spares for your specific bike.

• On-Trail Repairs: While a backup vehicle is available for emergencies, there is no dedicated bike mechanic on-site for general repairs.

• Mechanical Backup: You are responsible for carrying your own spares and performing basic field maintenance.

• Insurance: Specific insurance for your bicycle is highly recommended.

Personal Expenses & Insurance

• Beverages: All alcoholic drinks and bottled beverages.

• Gratuities: Tips for local guides and hospitality staff are at your discretion.

• Medical Requirements: * Comprehensive Medical Insurance is mandatory.

  • Travel Insurance (including trip cancellation).

  • Costs associated with Medical Evacuation or emergency rescue, should it be necessary.

Compulsory Safety Equipment

For your personal safety and as a standard precaution, the following equipment is mandatory for all participants. Please ensure you have these items with you at all times during the tour:

Safety & Emergency Gear

• Space Blanket: Essential for temperature regulation in an emergency.

• Whistle: For signaling in low visibility or remote areas.

• First Aid Kit: A small, basic kit for minor scrapes or emergencies.

• Sunscreen: Minimum SPF 50 is highly recommended for the harsh Northern Cape sun.

Communication & Electronics

• Cellphone: Fully charged with emergency numbers saved.

• Waterproof Protection: A Zip Lock bag or waterproof case to keep your phone dry.

Clothing & Protection

• Helmet: Must be worn and buckled at all times while riding.

• Wind / Waterproof Jacket: Weather in the high desert can change rapidly.

• Thermal Base Layer: Long thermal top and pants (compulsory if cold weather is forecast).

Hydration & Nutrition

• Water Bottles: Sufficient capacity for long stretches between stops.

• Emergency Food: High-energy snacks (bars, gels, or nuts) for unexpected delays.

Mechanical Support

• Small Backpack / Hydration Pack: To carry your gear comfortably.

• Bike Spares: You must carry your own essential spares (tubes, CO2/pump, multi-tool, and chain links) in case of a mechanical issue or puncture.

Suggested Gear:

*Cell phone
*zip lock bag to keep phone dry on hike
*Camera
*Chargers
*Spare batteries
*powerbank to charge phones in case of Eskom problems
*Long thermal base layer (pants and top), just in case it is cold or rainy.
*Snacks for in-between meals
*Personal medicine
*Water bottles or bladder
*powder energy drink
*Comfortable shoes 
*enough socks
*sunglasses
*swimming trunks
*cash for tips
*Warm clothes for the evenings
*You can bring your own alcohol, some of the venues don’t have a liquor license
*No Towels needed

We have the following safety equipment with us:

• A Medical Kit, with bandages etc
• An AED (Automatic Electric Defib)
• Epipen
• Radios
• A Garmin Inreach (to be used in case of an extreme emergency only, not when you are tired. An helicopter to airlift you and you will be held liable for the cost of the evacuation)